Taunton Waterways Strategy and Guidance | Pre Consultation

Overview

The Taunton Waterways Strategy and Guidance builds on several prior studies and reports which have emphasised the significance of the River Tone to the town. The Taunton Garden Town Vision places its waterways at the heart of the town and its regeneration, seeks to make the most of them and rediscover the historic connection between the town and surrounding landscape. This work sets out a draft  Strategy and Guidance for Taunton's Waterways. Whilst many of its recommendations are not currently funded, the work will form the basis for future funding bids and seeks to attract investment. 

The spatial focus for the Taunton Waterways Strategy extends from the Silk Mills park and ride facility west of Longrun Meadow to the M5 motorway, encompassing both the River Tone and the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal. It incorporates the tributaries that connect to the river and canal through the town’s neighbourhoods. 

Necessarily it demands an understanding of and commentary upon the wider river catchment, extending upstream and downstream beyond the town since investment here can have a significant effect on water management and use within Taunton. The wider river catchment lies beyond the scope of this commission, but key opportunities are referenced at higher level and encompassed with the strategy. 

The strategy was developed through collaboration with key river-related stakeholders, who have collectively contributed the information and direction necessary to ensure its accuracy and feasibility. This collaborative approach is central to the definition and implementation of the Waterways Strategy. 

 Key outputs include: 

• A maintenance and management plan, developed in consultation with the Lead Local Flood Authority, Environment Agency, and Canal and River Trust 
• Identification of strategic goals for the strategy’s delivery 
• Definition of prioritized investments 
• Provision of site-specific design guidance, primarily for the brownfield regeneration sites within the Waterways, as allocated for redevelopment in the Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan (October 2008), along with guidance for smaller potential sites near tributaries in Taunton’s neighbourhoods 
• Delivery-focused recommendations 
• Identification of potential funding sources, necessary for delivering the strategy and its associated projects 

Why your views matter

Your input is essential in shaping the future of Taunton’s waterways. By sharing your views, you help us ensure that the Waterways Strategy reflects the real needs and aspirations of the community. Your feedback will guide important decisions about how the river and canal are maintained, improved, and integrated into the town’s development. Your voice matters in creating a more vibrant, sustainable, and accessible waterway network that benefits everyone. 

For the full details of the draft Strategy and Guidance documents, please follow the link: 

The Council intend to undertake a 6-week public consultation starting in October 2024. However, as part of the Taunton Together Festival, we are keen to share the emerging work and seek pre-consultation feedback from the public. 

What happens next

The Council intend to undertake a 6-week public consultation starting in October 2024. However, as part of the Taunton Together Festival, we are keen to share the emerging work and seek pre-consultation feedback from the public.